SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES

    When we come to a situation when we are not getting any good advice as to what we should do next while the unpredictable turn of events made matters worse then we feel trapped.    This happens when our waiting period has been unusually long and delayed already for a very unreasonable time and some are already having doubts and speculations as to the outcome of our present situation. Despite all the negative things that are up coming we continue to hold on to God's word and promise. We may not have expected things to happen the way it did and as we try to look back and recall what we could have done or not, we have to come to the realization that if we have done what God has led us to do and decided then we can be at peace like the royal official in today's gospel who believed what was told of him. Due to the urgency of his request which is a matter of life and death since his child is dying, he was expecting Jesus to go with him. He could have insisted on it but ...

   The Lord gives and the Lord takes. But if He takes something from us there is always a reason and it is always for the best. It doesn't matter whether we realize and understand this or not what matters is the truth that God gave up His only Son for our sake and there is nothing more that God could do for us that He wouldn't do. Amen. Hallelujah! Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 ...No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the  land  of  Canaan . The considered powerful and mighty of this world is what appear to be the blessed and favored ones as far as human logic and reason are concerned. The exact opposite of what Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount and Plain (Beatitudes) in the gospels. A lot of people find it difficult to really understand the beatitudes since it contradicts the values of this world we live in. The poor, weak, hungry and sorrowing are called blessed. This may not sound acceptable for everybody and would even ...

     We have a tendency to overlook the ordinary and simple things around us. We must not be impressed with just the extraordinary. Our approach to Christian life should not neglect the day to day and the ordinary things we do. The very thing that is right in front of us is our next good step. This is how we will walk to holiness. We may be in a gloomy and dark situation at the moment but we must not lose hope and put our best foot forward.    Is there something that we have been waiting, longing and hoping for a long time already and is yet to come? Are we on the verge of giving up and losing hope because of the seemingly endless waiting period that we are going through? Does it look like things are not getting any better and would just end up in nothing? Do we sometimes confuse God as someone who is stern and rough rather than a loving father who would pull us through any difficult situation? We have to do our best and be immensely patient even in times of gre...

     Let us not harbor any ill feelings, negative thoughts and guilt in us. It is a very heavy burden that we are needlessly carrying along with us. We may not be fully aware of it but these things are going to pull us down if not abruptly then gradually. Before we even know it we are already stuck in the mud of this vicious and malicious deception of the enemy.    Let us always maintain a good disposition no matter how difficult and wearisome our situations are. Whatever painful or hard situations we are going through right now is just part of God's plan to bring out the best in us. If we stay in faith and turn away from sin with a firm and good heart then we will surely see the path of the Lord very clearly before us. I could never forget the East San Gabriel/Pomona Valley Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women District Meeting (ACCW). It was a very rewarding and productive experience because the speakers were all good.  Sister Rose Marie Tulacz of the Si...

        I could never forget what I saw when I went jogging at the grounds of the Pacific Palms Hotel. I came across someone with his 2 dogs. I was really impressed to see that his dogs were not on a leash and simply jogging along his side without straying away from him. They looked so disciplined and focused on their master. I really loved the way they looked. The man was just jogging and looking straight ahead while his dogs jogged close to his side and was looking at him from time to time as if making sure that they don't miss a single thing from their master. This was the first time I had seen something like this and to think that it was an open space where they could easily ran off. I guess, these dogs were really trained and have developed a deep trust in their master's voice and command. I have seen many dog lovers and we would just be amazed to see how they love and care for their pets. It may sound outrageous but sometimes it went as far as the extraordinary...

      Things happen for a reason. Let us always thank God in every situation no matter how unpleasant it may seem for there is always a lesson to be learned from any experience and use it to make us a better person/Christian for God. Since we have an Infinite God there is always room for improvement as long as we live.    When people die they leave behind them their memories that can always be shared to others. That's why while we still have the time and opportunity, we should work our best in leaving behind good memories that will serve as a reminder and inspiration to our children and children's children. Today's 1st reading tells us that we are to live the covenant and at its heart are the statutes and decrees spoken of by Moses. If we live the heart of the covenant then we could take possession of the Land. This land is a foreshadowing of heaven. Right now we take the land interiorly as we receive communion, we become one with Christ. Jesus is in communion w...